Heart of the Sun Warrior: A Riveting Tale of Love, Sacrifice and Unyielding Valor, inspired by Mythology―The Sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess, ... Kingdom Duology (Celestial Kingdom, 2)

Aaaahhh. My heart was shattered and taped back together by the end of this book. I haven't read something this throughly captivating in a while. I was in love with the characters and the story and the world that Sue Lynn Tan built. It's gonna take me a while to get over the heartbreak of finishing this duology. It takes a lot for me to shed tears over a book, and this ending accomplished that. There could not have been another way to end Xingying's story. It was masterfully written, even if it tore my soul apart.

What a phenomonal end to a beautiful duology. My heart really goes out to Sue Lynn Tan, for an impeccable writing style that has captivated many satisfying hours of my time. This book (along with the series) is one of those things you can never relive the experiences of. I loved reading about Xingyin's turbulent adventure, watching her become such a strong individual. She is easily one of the best written fmc's that I have read. A strong willed, yearning young woman fighting for what she believes is the right thing. Tan captured Xingyin's emotion so perfectly, with emphasised moral balance. Xingyin felt so realistic, if we were faced with her shoes, would we also not make similar choices? Every character in this book was personified with such description, you felt moved by their actions and deaths. I enjoyed seeing how each character grew from their previous actions. The villain had motive and structure that fed into the storyline perfectly, everything had a place and the plot ran smoothly. The descriptive detail was still interesting to read, every garment or character customisation was noted, the environment was personified through various changes such as seasons or time. The Celestial Kingdom felt alive through it. Albeit, too descriptive at certain times which slowed the overall urgency of some vital developments within the book, it is one I still enjoyed reading regardless. Wenzhi will forever remain one of my top mmc's, regardless of his actions, development throughout this story proved his true character was born of love. Although I was saddended by his end, I understand it was pivitol in Xingyin's personal development towards the end of the book. I am glad to see she finally values her own happiness towards the end of the book. There was so many plot twists that you couldn't fully settle into relaxation by the end, too afraid something was going to go wrong. There was so much intensitity throughout the entire book, choices felt dire and actions were mistaken. I loved the inspiration from Chinese mythology and how Tan used her extrodainary imagination to create such a heartfelt story. Alas, that is all it will be, a beautiful, heart-wrenching story.

Audiobook listen. A beautiful return to the world of Daughter of the Moon Goddess. I was delighted and entranced with the plot. Themes of second chance romance, sacrifice, and rebirth. A beautiful read, but hoping for more in the series.

WHAT AN ENDING! Sue Lynn Tan don't owe me NOTHING!

I'm struggling to put my feelings into words right now, just moments after finishing the tumultuous events of the last 100 or so pages of this one. I cried so many times due to pain, loss, remembrance, joy, hope, love - it was an emotional roller coaster that practically gave me whiplash.

Xingyin has returned to her home on the moon, at peace again now that she has earned her mother her freedom. A startling discovery one evening unveils a great mystery surrounding the laurel grove - one that has attracted some very power hungry immortals. After an attack on their home on the moon, Xingyin and her mother flee to the Immortal Realm, hoping to find someone who will shelter them. Xingyin is forced into court politics in exchange for safe harbor, which also means alliances with those she would prefer to shoot with her bow.

Then a danger emerges that threatens both the Immortal AND Mortal realms: magic that has been perverted to create unholy terrors....terrors that are nigh impossible to overcome. Xingyin and her allies must find a way to destroy this evil before it wipes out everyone and everything she loves.

The last third of this book is what saved it and had it squeak into the 4 star range. (I respect that star ratings mean different things to different readers, but 4 stars for me means that while I loved it, it had a thing or two I think could have been done better or done without. That's my subjective opinion, other readers might find those things to be their favorite parts.)

A large chunk of the book had me thinking to myself that DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESSshould have been a standalone. Then Sue Lynn Tan worked her magic and changed my mind with the beauty of how she concluded this Chinese mythological tale. Until it clicked with me and changed my mind, I frankly was reading it only because I love the writing style of the author. There was a large focus on the love triangle aspect that I did not enjoy...at least, not at first. Upon reflection after finishing the book, the three people involved in the triangle didn't enjoy it either: it was filled with pain and tragedy. When I realized this, I began dialing in on what these characters were going through, their thoughts and emotions - actions they took for each other, while also at times giving in to their own selfishness. It was so human - love isn't perfect, it's messy and full of ups and downs.

I had hoped to find this one as action packed as the first, but that was not the case. This story felt more to me like I was sitting at the feet of Xingyin, as she recounted the story of her past, for this one was more of a tell instead of show. I don't typically care for stories told in that fashion, but again, Sue Lynn Tan held me entranced with her lyrical prose. I think character driven readers will enjoy the focus on the characters and their relationships to one another.

It was as good as the first book, Sue Lynn Tan is an amazing writer. I would recommend this duology to anyone who would listen.